King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:11 Mean?

“So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, A place of breaches”

Context

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, A place of breaches

And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **So they came up to Baal-perazım.**—And they: that is, David and his troops. Samuel, “And David came into Baal-perazim.” The locality is unknown. The prophet Isaiah (1Chronicles 28:21) refers to these two victories of David: “For *Jehovah* shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.” Such a reference proves the great moment of the events so briefly chronicled here. **God hath broken in upon mine enemies.**—Samuel has “Jehovah” here and in 1Chronicles 14:10 a, and again in 1Chronicles 14:14-15. (See Note, 1Chronicles 13:12.) True to his character, David owns the mighty hand of God in the results of his own valour. (Comp. 1Chronicles 17:16, *sqq.*) He is conscious of being God’s instrument. Contrast the haughty self-confidence of the Assyrian conqueror (Isaiah 10:5-15). **By mine hand.**—Samuel, “before me;” and so the Syriac and Arabic here. The Hebrew phrases are probably synonymous. (Comp. 1Samuel 21:14, “in their hand,” i.e., *before them.*) In Arabic, “between the hands” means *before.* Our text seems the more original here. **Like the breaking forth of waters.**—David’s forces probably charged down the slopes of Mount Perazim (Isaiah 28:21), like a mountain torrent, sweeping all before it. **They called.**—An explanation of Samuel, which has “he [i.e., one] called.” The remark indicates the antiquity of the narrative. (Comp. the frequent verbal plays of this kind in the stories of the Book of Genesis.) **Baal-perazim.**—*Lord,* or *owner, of breaches,* or *breakings forth.* “Baal” may refer to *Jehovah* ( comp. 1Chronicles 9:33, Note); and *perāzîm* may have also meant the *fissures* or gullies on the mountain-side. It is the plural of the word *perez* (1Chronicles 13:11).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 14:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.